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Red Wings' Lucas Raymond calls out the words of a captain to his teammates after recent struggles
Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond called out the words of a captain with his recent statement in light of their ongoing struggles.
Head Coach Todd McLellan hasn't shied away from calling out his team for their lack of identity as of late.
With their recent four-game slump, the Red Wings need to change how they play and establish their selves as a true contender in the Eastern Conference.
That will require buy-in from the whole team and two units, both defense and offense, working in concert. While they can function as a top-tier NHL team, they'll need to work as one.
Young forward Lucas Raymond, who has been one of the team's stars, sounded like a Red Wings captain with his recent statement released to the media.
"Both yes and no," Raymond answered when asked if the team was still searching for an identity. "I think whatever our identity is, we haven't been playing up to it lately. I think for us, we're a really good hockey team when we play fast and get after teams on the forecheck and shoot a lot of pucks, retrieve it and create chances. That's when we play our best hockey and create the most.
"We've been doing it for periods this year, and it's about getting back to that."
"We've been doing it for periods this year, and it's about getting back to that."
The Red Wings had two separate winning streaks under Todd McLellan take place last season, each a seven-game stretch.
They ultimately missed out on a playoff spot as a bubble team.
If they could find a way to play with discipline, they could find themselves in an advantageous role with Raymond helping to lead the way.
The Detroit Red Wings need to build good habits and play to their strengths; Lucas Raymond can help
Forward Lucas Raymond could be a galvanizing force in the locker room as one of the Red Wings' top players.
Last season, he was a driving force, scoring 80 points (27-53) in 2024-25, and has been one of the team's best players.
A voice like his will echo across the room, as players take heed of his words and hopefully put more intent into building a true identity for the Red Wings.
They're a team that has been rudderless too long, and with Todd McLellan's ability to hold players accountable, maybe, just maybe, this can be remedied soon.
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
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